Lady Mayor’s Banquet, Mansion House – Thursday 19 March

Each year a Banquet is held at Mansion House, hosted by the Lord/Lady Mayor to meet the Masters, Prime Wardens and Upper Bailiffs of the Livery Companies of the City of London, and their Consorts.  Dress was White Tie.  A delightful evening where we all enjoyed a delicious dinner with fine wines and Port.  The Lady Mayor, Master Mercer and Master Grocer made excellent speeches and a Stirrup Cup, after the dinner, was enjoyed by all.

The 82^nd Service of the United Guilds of the City of London, St Paul’s Cathedral – Friday 20 March

This annual Service is held at St Paul’s Cathedral the morning following the Banquet at Mansion House. It brings together all the Livery Companies and Guilds of the City at a religious service.  Masters, Prime Wardens, Upper Bailiffs, Wardens and the Clerk wear their gowns.  The Security Professionals were well represented.  The Reverend George Bush, former Rector of St Mary-le-Bow, gave the Sermon.

Lunch following the United Guilds’ Service, Stationers’ Hall – Friday 20 March

A quick dash back to Saddlers’ Hall to return the gowns to our Vault following the United Guilds’ Service – and then a brisk walk to Stationers’ Hall for lunch!  Livery Companies attend lunches held around the various Livery Halls of London.  We were welcomed by the Master Stationer and his Clerk.  After the Reception, and once seated at the table, the Master asked each Company to give the traditional ‘salute’ when their name was called.  The Security Professionals, in strong hearty voice, shouted out ‘Who Goes There?’!  Thankfully we did not have to make a challenge – and everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch!

Metropolitan Police Voluntary Police Cadets Presentations, London – Saturday 21 March

Along with the Chair of the Charitable Trust (CT), Middle Warden, Chair of the Apprentice Management Group and 2 members of the Company I attended the Metropolitan Police Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) Annual Awards Ceremony at The Emmanuel Centre in London on Saturday 21 March.   A variety of Awards were presented – Long Service, Best New Cadet, Community Champion, Community Crime Fighting, Courage and Resilience, Leadership, Commendation, VPC Leader of the Year, Coordinator of the Year and MPS Cadet of the Year.  The Worshipful Company had made a donation for the purchase of silver Police whistles to VPCs in recognition of long service (3+ years) and dedication (minimum of 100 hrs of volunteering).  These were presented by a Police Commander, the Chair of the CT and myself.  It was so inspiring to see so many young people who had dedicated their time to volunteering as Cadets for the Metropolitan Police and it was a huge honour to be invited to such an important ceremony.